More Than Just a Heart Flutter
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) affects approximately 3 million Americans according to the American Heart Association®. The condition can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
“Atrial fibrillation can be present in people with or without symptoms,” says Nikumjkumar Patel, MD, FACC, an interventional cardiologist at St. Mary’s. “Those with symptoms often experience heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue and tiredness.”
Dr. Patel answers some common questions below:
What is a heart arrhythmia?
“Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia and occurs when the upper chambers of the heart are irregular and the blood doesn’t flow to the lower chambers of the heart as well as it should. When the upper chambers and lower chambers aren’t coordinated, it causes the heart to beat irregularly,” explains Dr. Patel. “This causes blood to pool instead of being pumped completely into the ventricles (the heart’s two lower chambers).”
Why is it a concern?
“Patients with AFib are at high risk for stroke because the blood can pool in the upper chambers of the heart where it thickens and can clot. The clot can travel and block blood vessels resulting in a stroke,” says Dr. Patel. AFib-related strokes tend to be more severe than strokes with other underlying causes.
“Asymptomatic patients are at high risk for stroke because of not getting optimal treatment for this condition which can be diagnosed by an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to measure heart function by measuring the electrical activity of the heart,” he explains.
How is AFib treated?
“AFib is treatable by using medication, blood thinners for stroke prevention and in some cases cardiac ablation, pacemakers or surgery,” says Dr. Patel.
What are the causes of AFib?
Risk factors increase with age and include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, smoking, and sleep apnea.
Talk to your doctor if you experience an irregular heartbeat. “Early detection is important,” emphasizes Dr. Patel. “People should be aware of symptoms, see a cardiologist and get worked up for optimal treatment.”
Learn more at stmarysregional.com/cardio
Physicians are on the medical staff of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.
Three Important Space Photos
Astrophotography, or the capturing of photons of light from distant luminous objects, has long been a phenomenal way to view and study objects outside of Earth’s life-giving atmosphere. Until the recent success of gravitational wave detectors, light was the only way in which we could study the cosmos. From low-frequency radio waves to gamma radiation, these ancient photonic travelers have guided researchers on their quest to answer the most daunting questions the universe has to offer. Sometimes, however, these photons produce images that create a sight more awe-inspiring than we ever could have imagined. In this episode of The Cosmic Mariner, we’re going to take a peek at three important space photographs and discover why they hold a special place in our stellar darkroom.
First Photo of a Black Hole
Captured by the Event Horizon Telescope, a collection of telescopes around the world that combined to create a “telescope” with a diameter equal to that of the Earth, this image of the center of galaxy M87 depicts the first-ever view of a black hole. Before this photograph, astronomers relied only on mathematics and stars orbiting in peculiar patterns around empty space to study the properties of these infamously elusive objects. Now, through the use of data captured by the EHT, researchers have not only been able to refine the image to view magnetic fields generated by the black hole but have also moved one step closer to proving that Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity is correct. What you are viewing in this photograph is actually a bright disk, called an accretion disk, of materials that are sucked toward and around the black hole at the center. So, while this is a photograph of a black hole, what you’re actually viewing is the shadow of the black hole as black holes are so gravitationally powerful that not even light can escape them. If you want to know more about this photograph and the story behind it, there is a great documentary on Netflix titled “Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know”.
Hubble Deep Field
The Hubble deep field images are probably some of the most fascinating photographs ever captured of our universe. The first of these images, captured by Hubble in 1995, took over 10 days to capture and baffled astronomers when the data was finally compiled. After pointing the HST toward an unremarkable portion of the night sky in the constellation Ursa Major-far away from the plane of the milky way and the path of solar system objects-the final image made over 3,000 distant galaxies visible. Every point of light, no matter the size, is not a star but a galaxy. Even more fascinating; the field of view is roughly the size of a pen-head held at arm’s length. Some of the galaxies viewed are over 12 billion light-years away. That is, we are viewing them as they were 12 billion years ago. This has helped us to uncover a multitude of secrets about the origins of galaxies and the universe itself. More recently, the Frontier Fields images, combining images from Hubble, Chandra, and Spitzer, managed to capture photographs of galaxies 100 times fainter than the deep field images. This was accomplished through the use of gravitational lensing; the lensing of light by the immense gravity fields of distant galaxy clusters. How cosmically cool is that!
The Pale Blue Dot
On the 14th of February, 1990, our planet was captured in a portrait so humbling that, to do it justice, I have to let my hero, Dr. Carl Sagan, explain it. On this date, at the request of Sagan, Voyager 1 turned its camera toward Earth and opened its shutter. When NASA and Sagan reviewed the images, they tried to dust away that tiny blue spec believing it to be a piece of dust. To their amazement, it was, in fact, the Earth. To conclude this episode is an excerpt from Carl Sagan’s speech at the photographs unveiling event.
“That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor, and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every “superstar,” every “supreme leader,” every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there–on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam…
…It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.
— Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot, 1994
Copyright © 1994 by Carl Sagan, Copyright © 2006 by Democritus Properties, LLC.
Local Legends: Junior Welfare League
Since its humble beginnings during the Great Depression, JWL has been successful in reaching thousands of individuals and organizations through fundraisers and service committees. In their 80+ year history, Junior Welfare League has given well over $1,000,000 to the community to help with various community causes.
Much of the money used to finance their operations comes from Return Engagement, the upscale consignment store located in Downtown Enid, where clothing, furniture, and household items are sold. Return Engagement is Junior Welfare League’s consignment store for new and nearly-new clothing and gifts. With its initial roots as a furniture store, it has expanded to an upscale clothing and gift store as well. All items are in good to exceptional condition. Return Engagement carries women’s, men’s, children’s, and baby clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as specialty home decor, books, furniture, electronics, and many other household items. All proceeds raised through our consignment store are invested back into community programs to help those in need
The store hours are Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Closed Sundays
JWL is also known for the JWL Cookbooks, which they sell to help fund their projects. On Statehood Day in 1982, the 1st edition of JWL’s highly successful Stir Ups cookbook made its debut. By the end of the year, the Junior Welfare League had over 200 retail accounts around the globe. Stir Ups, from America’s Heartland, salutes the unique flavor of today’s Home on the Range. The Great Plains Region with its vast blue skies and golden fields of grain offers its own unique flavor to America’s cooking heritage. Stir Ups features over 700 boot-kickin’ recipes, with chapters including “Shindig Starters,” “Dough-si-Dough,” “Slim-Pickins,” and “Pony Express-ohs.” Whether stirring up a gourmet treat for a fancy shindig or simply making playdough, Stir Ups will bring a unique flavor to your Home on the “Range.”
In 2002, JWL introduced their second cookbook, Cooking by the Boot Straps, the official cookbook of Enid. This hardbound cookbook is a must-have piece of Oklahoma heaven, with full-color photographs and a sleek contemporary design. The cookbook includes historical features and profiles of local chefs, plus “Beyond Salt & Pepper,” an internationally inspired spice chart, beautiful four-color photography and over 250 recipes from Cowboy Soup to Veal Marsala, Two-Step Tenderloin to Chocolate Spice Truffles and many, many more!
JWL’s third source of funds comes from the annual Charity Gala. It is an elegant, magical evening of entertainment held each year. The evening features a delicious meal, live and silent auctions but mostly great fun for a great cause! We salute the Junior Welfare League and the more than 80 years of making Enid a better place!
Local Legends is Proudly Brought to You by Nicholas Residential Real Estate and Guarantee Abstract Co.!
My Childhood Ghoulash
My brother, Jeremy, and I grew up as latch key kids. My parents always worked late and were rarely home for dinner. My mother would make a big batch of something over the weekend to get us through the week. My brother and I got used to eating leftovers, and you would think as adults that we would hate them. The exact opposite is true. He and I still love leftovers to this day! One of our favorite meals that my mom would make for us was goulash. No matter how many days in a row we ate it, it got better and better each time! It was and still is best served on a piece of white wonder bread with room temperature butter. I would scoop some goulash onto one half of the bread and then fold it in half and eat it like a soft taco. The hot goulash would melt the butter and add a salty element that you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
Later on in life, I was living in New Hampshire. I learned that Goulash was a thing up there too. They call it American Chop Suey. Their version has fewer ingredients but is still a tomato base dish with ground beef and elbow macaroni. There are so many different recipes for Goulash. You could add things and leave others out and it would still be goulash. Here is the recipe that we ate growing up. Please feel free to add or omit anything, but PLEASE do me a favor and try it on a piece of buttered white bread. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!
RECIPE
1 pound ground beef, browned & drained
1 yellow onions, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 29 ounce can of tomato sauce
1 29 ounce can of diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1-2 teaspoons of black pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- Add all ingredients, except macaroni, corn, and pinto beans, to a large stockpot. Simmer until veggies are tender.
- Add macaroni, corn, and pinto beans. Continue simmering until macaroni is cooked.
- Serve with buttered white bread. You can also top this with shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS RECIPE AS MUCH AS I DO!!!!
Fungus Gnats on Indoor Plants
By: Kathryn Redding, Garfield County Master Gardener
Many of us placed our indoor plants outside for the summer so they could enjoy natural light and rainwater. Now that October has arrived, it is time to drag them back inside for the winter months. Before doing so, be sure to hose down the entire plant with water to eliminate some unwanted pests. This is also a good time to repot your plants if needed.
Sounds fairly simple, right? Not so fast, because you most likely will experience an infestation of Fungus Gnats.
These tiny pests live in the soil feeding on fungus and decaying plant material. They frequently make their way indoors on potted plants or cut flowers. In homes, populations can quickly get out of hand. As a result, we soon notice them swarming around plants, windows, lights, and people. While Fungus Gnats are an annoyance, they are completely harmless to humans since they can not bite. However, they can be a problem for house plants as their larvae start to feed on tender plant roots. This can result in stunted growth, leaves yellowing, and in some cases the death of your plant.
Fungus Gnats are tiny, about the size of fruit flies. Their sizes range from 1/16 to ⅛ of an inch in length. Adults tend to spend most of their time on the soil surface of potted plants, but they may be seen flying around the outer edge of the pot or near drainage holes as well. Since they are not strong fliers, they tend to walk on top of the soil and fly about only in short bursts.
The gnats develop from egg to adult in 3 to 4 weeks. The short life cycle results in continual generations which can make eradication a challenge.
CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Instead of throwing your prized plant out, you can get rid of these annoying pests. Getting rid of Fungus Gnats is all about consistency. Here are a number of remedies to try:
- Watering: Do not overwater your plants. Gnats are attracted to moisture so let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Sticky card traps: These traps consist of a yellow notecard covered in a sticky adhesive. Gnats are attracted to the color yellow. Adult gnats will fly or crawl onto the card and become trapped.
- Cider-vinegar traps: Fill a shallow container with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap into the mixture and stir gently. Place the trap inside the pot on top of the soil. Must be refreshed every few days.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix a solution of 1 part of hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts of water. Water your houseplant with this solution when the top of the potting medium is dry. This will kill the larva.
- Cover drainage holes of the pot with fabric to prevent adult gnats from crawling in and out of pot.
- Summit Mosquito Bits: ContainsBacillus thuringiensis, subspecies: israelensis and is highly effective against larvae in potted plants. It will kill larvae for two days. It won’t kill egg-laying adults, so repeated applications are necessary.
***This method of eradicating Fungus Gnats has worked best for me. I simply scatter dried pellets on top of the soil and water the plant. I repeat every time I water until my problem is solved, and then I use it once a month as a preventive.
- Chemical measures. Sprays containing pyrethrins control adult Fungus Gnats. Because new adults emerge daily, repeat sprays every few days for at least two weeks to reduce populations.
Which method of control works best for you will depend on how serious the infestation: Sticky Cards, cider traps, and chemical sprays tend to work best on small infestations. If your problem is more serious, I suggest using hydrogen peroxide or Mosquito Bits to tackle the larvae.
Dove Season Set to Kick Off Fall Hunts
Howdy Okies! If y’all are like me, you’re excited for the greatest season of the year. What season is that you ask? Huntin’ season, of course!
Dove season officially kicks off September 1 and runs through October 31, statewide. These little swift dodgers dippin’ and divin’ through the air will certainly test one’s marksmanship. This relatively small bird somehow has the innate ability to dodge shotgun shell pellets with what seems to be the greatest of ease. Other than that, the hunt itself is great for new shooters, as it is as simple as sitting on a bucket by a pond waiting for the birds to appear. There are no taxing long walks and/or “surprises” like there are busting a pheasant or covey of quail. Unlike other big game species or waterfowl, no expensive camouflage is needed to take a few (or if you are lucky, a limit) of dove. In fact, nothing more is needed than a pair of jeans, a camo t-shirt and hat and a bucket. Most of my dove hunting locations are located by small bodies of water, but dove can be successfully hunted near patches of sunflowers, milo fields or the like. Like other migratory birds the best time during the day to take dove is early morning or late evening during feeding times.
The daily limit for dove is 15 (although it might take two boxes of shells to get you there). A hunting license is required unless otherwise exempt. Additionally, all dove hunters must carry a “HIP” permit which is a “Harvest Information Permit” that can be found free online at www.wildlifedepartment.com. Migratory birds like dove also cannot be taken with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, so either shoot your trusty over/under like me or be sure to make sure to utilize a plug in your semi-auto shotgun. Enjoy nature, the time with your trusty dog or children and remember, sometimes the hunt isn’t about hunting at all.
Recipe:
Grilled Dove Stuffed with Cheese and Jalapeno en Brochette
-Marinate in Italian salad dressing (minimizes the wild game flavor)
-Split breast, adding cheese and jalapeno in between breast halves
-½ slice bacon around width and ½ slice bacon around length, securing with a toothpick
-Cook over hot coals (approximately 4 mins each side) until 160-degree internal temperature
-Enjoy!
Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is not just about building muscles! Exercising can improve your physique, trim down your waist, and add years to your life. But that’s not the only thing that motivates people to be active. People who exercise on a regular basis feel more energetic, sleep better, improve their memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves. Exercise is a powerful medicine for many common mental health issues.
Regular exercise can have a significant positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Even a small amount of exercise can boost your overall mood, and make a huge difference no matter your age or fitness level. Studies show that running for 15 mins, or walking for an hour, can reduce your depression by 26%. Exercise releases endorphins, a powerful chemical in your brain that produces euphoria. So feeling down? Try to get some exercise.
Chicken Parm Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
½ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
3 cloves garlic
1 ½ cup marinara
1 tbsp. Freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
12 oz. fresh or frozen breaded chicken, cooked and diced
4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
½ cup Swanson Chicken Broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, marinara, parsley, and red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined, then gently fold in chicken.
- Spoon mixture into halves bell peppers and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
- Pour chicken broth into the baking dish (to help the peppers steam) and cover with foil.
- Bake until peppers are tender, 55 minutes to 1 hour. Uncover and broil for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and more parmesan before serving.
Super Service
Most of my days begin and end with time on my front porch. That’s where I pray, drink coffee, and brainstorm solutions for various projects. That’s also where I get to chat with Travis.
I want to serve my clients well, not just by providing digital marketing solutions, but also by knowing them as friends. Work is more fun and rewarding that way. When I think of the kind of customer service I want to offer, my smiling front porch friend, Travis Brown, is one of the first people who comes to mind.
Travis has been my mailman for three years, and he was my parent’s before that. The first time I met him, I was house-sitting for them.
“Are your folks out of town again?” he asked. “You just watching the house?”
I was a little concerned and thought, “How the heck does this guy know all this?!”
I soon learned what an asset Travis is for our community, and how great it is that he goes the extra mile when looking out for his customers.
Speaking of going the extra mile, Travis walks a whopping 13 miles per day on average. Many of those miles are spent smiling and chatting with people he sees. “The best thing about my job is getting to be outside all day, and getting to be social with people on my route.”
Travis worked hard to get my maiden-name mail to the right location after I became a Mrs. He was one of the first to congratulate me when I started my business. He doesn’t just serve his customers by ensuring their packages and envelopes arrive safely, he also befriends every customer he meets.
Here are some life lessons I’ve learned from Travis:
When bogged down with stress and a busy schedule, I have to remember my opportunity to be a bright spot in my customer’s/friend’s days.
“I care about the people on my route,” Travis said. “I make an effort to talk to them and get to know them. I hope I bring a smile and friendly face to the customers on my route. I also hope that people can see that I love my job.”
Who needs ADT when you have a Travis?! It’s easy to get busy and miss important details. He sets a great example in putting others’ needs before his own.
“Looking out for houses was a priority for me, definitely from the start,” he said. “I carried mail in Alva to begin with. I felt it a priority to make sure everyone was safe. I would want someone to do the same for my family.”
With 24 years of service under his belt, it’s no wonder Travis has names and addresses memorized, and mail delivery down to an art. He has set a great example of lifelong, faithful service in a job he loves.
“I look at it like—you have to love what you do. You need to love waking up every morning knowing that you are going to a job you enjoy. If you do those things, you will be good at your job.”
There will be rough days in any job… But you’ve got to choose to find joy in your work.
“There are many times that I will roll my ankle and fall to the ground, then get up quickly to make sure no one saw me,” Travis shared. “Of course, slipping on ice, getting bitten by dogs, and being attacked by birds can also be laughable moments.”
Cheers to you, Travis!
Until next time.
-Wordy Girl
“Pumpkin Spice” Up Your Home for Fall!
Scents can be a great way to make your home more appealing for buyers. There is no better time to spice things up than Fall. Surrounded by the thoughts of football, family gatherings, cool days and cozy nights, the scents of the season bring all of the warm feelings associated with fall to life. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to bring fall into your home.
1. DIY Pumpkin-Spice Room Spray
It wouldn’t be fall without its most ubiquitous flavor: pumpkin spice. Skip the latte and opt for a fragrant fall air freshener instead. To make your own pumpkin-spice room spray, gather clove, ginger, orange, cardamom, and add a few drops of each to one cup of distilled water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spritz the air freshener around the room as needed for a burst of fall fragrance.
2. DIY Fall Reed Diffuser
Reed diffusers double as decor and air fresheners, but the store-bought versions can be pricey. To make your own fall diffuser, add a blend of baby oil and essential oils to a glass bottle or jar. For a small container, you’ll need about 1 teaspoon of essential oils (you can use any combination that reminds you of fall). For a citrusy seasonal blend, try combining bergamot, lemon, and wintergreen. Place reeds into your DIY diffuser to disperse the fall fragrance.
3. Fall Simmer Pot
For a simple scented blend that lasts for hours, try stovetop potpourri. A classic fall simmer pot includes apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks, but you can also add other spices like cloves, vanilla extract, or star anise. If you’d rather eat the fruits, using strips of the peels works just as well as whole cut slices. Bring ingredients to a boil in a pot or slow cooker, then simmer or set to low for several hours to release the scent. You might need to add extra water periodically as it evaporates.
4. Homemade Fall Wax Melts
Make a batch of spiced fall wax melts for your warmer. Using a plastic liner to protect the appliance, melt soy wax pellets in your small slow cooker on low, and add essential oils for scent. Pour the wax mixture into an ice cube tray, let cool, then pop a few into your wax warmer to slowly fill the space with fall fragrance.
5. Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones
Pinecones are a popular fall decor, but there’s no need to buy them if you’re lucky enough to have evergreens in your area. To give them a warm cinnamon scent, bake pinecones in the oven to clean and dry them out. Infuse them with cinnamon by spritzing them with a mixture of cinnamon essential oil and water. When the pinecones are sufficiently scented, display them in a bowl or glass vase, or make a garland with rope and lay across your mantel for a subtle spicy scent.
6. Fall-Scented Linen Spray
Use an autumn-inspired DIY linen spray to freshen up folded towels and bedding. Just mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup inexpensive vodka (yes, vodka!) in a clean spray bottle and swirl with essential oils. Choose 3-4 oils and add 10 drops of each. Have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite!
